Strategy: Drafting a second catcher

[lostraven]

So what's known about the catcher position? It's generally
the weakest offensive position to fill within a fantasy league,
yes? Often people don't put a lot of priority in nailing down
a quality offensive catcher and try to make up for it by snagging
the big boys in the OF, 1B, or 3B.

Still, losing a decent catcher to injury for a long while can
make a noticeable difference in one's numbers, yes?

That all said, in a standard roto league of twelve deep with
a bench of five, is it feasible to grab a back-up catcher if
there is still a good "quality" catcher left by the ninteenth
or twentieth round, even if I have a Javy Lopez? Does it
make sense to fill a bench spot with a second catcher, only
for the "just in case"?

Please advise.

[curious_george_43545]

Kepper...pick up Closser in the last few rounds...otherwise just go with one and pick one off the waiver wire if your catcher is injured.

[jbones733]

if u can grab a John Buck or Closser late, yeah

also cathcers dont play everyday, day after nights always off, so if you have daily lineups you can use your other catcher

i did it for a while last year but eventually theres other good guys you want to pick up instead of backup catcher

[Amazinz]

In a Roto league I would only take the extra catcher if he was the best available player at the time. In a 12-team roto with a 5-man bench there will be somebody out their on the WW for you if you lose your catcher for an extended period of time.

[lostraven]

Yeah, it's daily transactions. Still, best available player sounds
like a good guide to follow...of course basing it on any holes
one might have in their roster. Hrmmm... it's a shame that
there aren't more players like a Craig Wilson (circa '04
of course since he's not elgible at catcher this year). I
only think of Inge and...well...do I really wanna' roster
Inge?

[Amazinz]

If you're at the point in your draft where you can afford to take fliers on players than Inge is a fine choice. I like him as a sleeper and if he pans out that multiple position eligibility will be pretty useful on a short bench like yours.

[goldenboy]

i myself if i cant get one of the top3 catchers i would rate to the mid roundas to grab a 2nd tier of piazza, varitec, mauer

if they had all gone i would load up on other positions and draft a catcher near the end as majority of them offer very very little to a fantasy squad and their is always an abundance on the waiver wire.

however in a 2catcher league, it is imperative you get one good every day guy early

[crapshooter]

I have found that its better to have a second string catcher who doesn't play much rather than one that kills your average by getting several at bats. It's very rare that you get two good catchers...especially in straight leagues.

[raiders_umpire]

in roto i try to have a extra catcher, but in h2h i usually dont worry about it unless he is the best player available to me at that point in the draft......